News

True to its name, our Bluebell Preserve will be showcasing carpets of spring wildflowers in April. Please join us for an easy (i.e. flat and paved) Wildflower Walk starting at 2 pm Saturday, April 15, along the bikeway that passes through Bluebell Preserve. Led by our wildflower enthusiasts, the walk starts at the Beaumont-Salina Trailhead near…

Athens Conservancy announces that it has received generous funding from the Athens County Foundation as part of the foundation’s Fall Grant Cycle. The $6,370 grant will support the Conservancy’s project titled “Nature For All,” which will enhance awareness, accessibility, and wayfinding of its nature preserves and trails. The Nature For All project focuses on two…

On Sunday, Feb. 5, the annual Groundhog Hike was hosted by Athens Conservancy and the Friends of Strouds Run at Strouds Run State Park near Athens. This year’s hike, held in honor of Conservancy founder John Knouse, marked 20 years of the event. There was heavy turnout at the event. Conservancy board member Greg Kessler…

Catch up on the latest news from us at Athens Conservancy in our latest newsletter. We’re delighted to report that our Healthy Forest Friend campaign met its goal … and we’re so grateful to all who donated to this important effort. Our Groundhog Hike is Feb. 5 — read about this fun, annual event. Hostetler…

We’re absolutely delighted to share the news that local artist Jay Hostetler and his wife Cherri will be donating a portion of sales from their studio to support our work at Athens Conservancy. After a career in the guitar-crafting industry, Jay has returned to his love of woodworking, using local found wood from the forests…

Mark your calendar for the 20th Annual Groundhog Hike! Slated for Sunday, Feb. 5, the family-friendly winter hiking event is hosted by Athens Conservancy and Friends of Strouds Run in honor of our founder John Knouse. The fun kicks off at noon at Strouds Run State Park, where we’ll gather at the Bulldog Shelter. Enjoy…

Athens Conservancy has received a donation of mineral rights for coal reserves on approximately 10,000 acres mostly in northern Athens County. The intentions of the Conservancy are to leave the vast majority of the coal untouched and in the ground to help protect the community and benefit the environment for future generations. There is an…

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we want to thank you for being such an important part of Athens Conservancy! We appreciate you more than you can imagine. 2022 has been busy, with two new trails opening — the Art Trail and the John Knouse Trail — and the creation of the brand-new Lindy Roosenburg…

Looking for a special gift for somebody on your list? You can encourage them to enjoy the outdoors, and explore our trails and preserves … while making gift-giving easy for you! Just purchase a gift membership to Athens Conservancy for your friend, and we’ll send you a special card to give to them. Go to…

Spending time in nature is essential — it boosts our health and nourishes our soul.  We work to make sure people have access to nature by keeping trails well maintained for you to explore and enjoy. Keeping the forests healthy is crucial too, and we are entrusted to do just that. Managing the land to…

Why protect old forests?  People often mention recreation and health, natural beauty, biodiversity, and wildlife habitat as reasons to preserve forests.  Less often mentioned is what is arguably the most important reason to protect old forests at this critical time: Protecting large trees is crucial to combat climate change. Drastically reducing emissions of carbon dioxide…

(Slideshow) A hearty thank you goes to all of our members and friends who ventured out on a blustery October evening for our Annual Meeting! More than 50 of you joined us for the first in-person annual gathering in three years, warming up with a Wetland Walk, crackling fires in two fire pits, a hearty…